THERE is nothing recorded of this case, from which any correct information of the causes of the malady, or of its nature, when admitted, or of its progress since that period, can be drawn. Some of his relations are insane, and many of them exceedingly eccentric. His friends accuse some nurse of an improper application for the itch; yet, notwithstanding this accusation, the disease was gradual in its approach. He was gay when at Cambridge, and lost considerable sums at the gaming table. There is reason to believe that he had always been eccentric; and I have been told, that in his youth, he was proverbially called the proud and polite man. {114a} Whether this be correct or not, it is certain, that even now, though so little mind remains, he is soonest roused and offended, though otherwise very good-natured, by whatever questions his own importance. Though, like many old men, he is fond of dozing away his time in bed, he has, notwithstanding, seasons of greater animation, when he seems more busily occupied with his own thoughts, often talking to himself; repeating very correctly passages committed to memory, probably forty years ago. {114b} At these periods, unless teased or vexed in the way already stated, he is very good-natured and polite; and from his general manners, and particularly in the modulation of his voice, he still appears, in spite of the coarseness of his dress, {114c} the remains of a perfect gentleman. At these times, he is, for the most part, very happy, laughing and playing like a little child; and his very mischievous tricks—throwing stones, writing on the walls, tearing his clothes in order to make some little fanciful change and decoration of his dress, seem to be done rather as resources for regular employment or amusement, than from any malicious design or delight to be mischievous. OBSERVATION I. The slight changes or states of excitement described in this case, are in my opinion, the mere fluctuation of his animal spirits. I shall hereafter make further remarks (see ob. 5) on this subject; and therefore, in the mean time, (to obviate the objections which may be brought against this view,) I shall only observe that when we consider the defective and uncontrolled state of mind, {115} in these old and incurable cases of insanity, any change or increase of their animal spirits must, though perhaps depending on causes which equally affect the sane, display itself in them, in a very different manner. _No._ 2.—_Admitted_ 1785; _aged_ 67.